EC chair frets at poll body capabilities

Election Commission (EC) chairman Supachai Somcharoen has conceded the poll organising body will face problems making major decisions if the number of commissioners drops to three.

There are now five EC members in office. Commissioner Boonsong Noisophon, however, will retire in August when he turns 70. Another commissioner, Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, on Monday submitted an application letter to contest the EC secretary-general's post.

Responding to the prospect of the number of EC members falling to only three, Mr Supachai said if there are four, the EC will still be able to carry out its duties, but if there are three, it will be impossible for the agency to make key decisions.

However, he said there is a way to solve every issue. Asked whether it is possible for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to use his Section 44 powers to extend the term for the EC member who is about to retire, Mr Supachai said this would depend on the National Council for Peace and Order.

If the regime considered a Section 44 order as the way to end the problem, the EC would not object, Mr Supachai said.

Responding to Mr Somchai's decision to apply for the EC secretary-general post, Mr Supachai said he could not say if the EC would support Mr Somchai's candidacy, adding that the matter rests with the selection panel.

Concerns have grown after the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) last week voted to reject all seven shortlisted candidates for the new EC. Two were selected by the Supreme Court and the remaining five are picked by a selection panel.

Sarawut Benjakul, secretary-general of Office of the Judiciary, said the rejection of the names proposed by the court does not indicate there is a conflict between the NLA and the court, adding it is a matter of each organisation's duty in line with the charter.

Chatchai Janpraisri, chief justice of the Supreme Court, and Pakorn Mahannop, a Supreme Court judge, were chosen as two candidates under the Supreme Court's quota.

Mr Sarawut said he would wait for the NLA's formal letter regarding the rejection of the seven candidates before the Supreme Court starts a new selection round.